Vinegar Syndrome has announced its August batch of releases. They are: Playroom (1989), Castle of Evil (1966), Robo Warriors (1996), Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D. (1990), Of Monsters and Madness: The Films of Larry Fessenden Volume 1 (1991-1995), The Woman Chaser (1999), Mixed Blood (1984), and Confessions of a Psycho Cat / The Fat Black Pussycat (1967-1963).
Description: When he was a young boy, Chris's entire family was slaughtered during one of his father's archaeology digs at a remote monastery, nestled deep in the mountains of Yugoslavia. His father's assistant was arrested for the murders and consigned to a psychiatric hospital. Still plagued by nightmares about the incident as a man, Chris resolves to tackle his demons headfirst by returning to the monastery, where he hopes to complete his father's quest of unearthing the tomb of Ilok - a torture-obsessed child prince who, legend has it, made a pact with an ancient Slavic demon for eternal life. But no sooner has the excavation gotten underway than Chris starts behaving erratically, becoming obsessed with locating the tomb and teetering ever closer to the brink of bloody madness…
From Smart Egg Pictures, one of the key financiers behind the original A Nightmare On Elm Street (not to mention the production company responsible for 1985's hair metal horror Blood Tracks), 1989's PLAYROOM - released in some territories as Schizo - marks the directorial debut of Manny Coto (Dr. Giggles). Featuring a gloriously demented lead performance from Christopher McDonald (The Black Room, Happy Gilmore), alongside noted character actor Vincent Schiavelli (One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest), and culminating in some unexpected and hugely entertaining creature effects.
Special Features and Technical Specs:
NEW 4K RESTORATION OF THE FILM FROM AN INTERNEGATIVE
A Whole Different World (20 min) - an interview with actress Jamie Rose
The Cutting Room (20 min) - an interview with editor Bernard Weiser
Playing in the Music Room (20 min) - an interview with composer David Russo
Child's Play (30 min) - an interview with creature effects sculptor, puppeteer and USA art director Greg Aronowitz
On a secluded private island near Nassau in the Caribbean, a curious sextet of people has been ferried in to see off Carl Kovic, an electronics genius reportedly dying. Each of the six has ample reason to loathe Kovic, and yet each one stands to inherit at least $400,000-- even more if fewer heirs remain. Forced to stay in his castle during a seemingly endless storm, and guided by a mysterious housekeeper, the group decides to figure out Kovic's scheme after one of them is violently killed in his room. But is an indigenous island tribe using the supernatural against the group? Is Kovic himself alive or dead, and has he potentially invented something even more evil?
A delightful blend of Agatha Christie-style nailbiter, mad professor thrills, and plentiful other mid-1960s B-movie tropes, CASTLE OF EVIL is an entrancing early color instance of genre film. Directed by Francis D. Lyon (Cult of the Cobra, The Girl Who Knew Too Much), it features the prolific actor Scott Brady (Gremlins, Satan's Sadists, and brother of actor Lawrence Tierney), a wonderfully sharp-tongued Virginia Mayo (White Heat, Evil Spirits) and Shelley Morrison (Devil Times Five, TV's Will & Grace). Vinegar Syndrome Labs is charmed to bring back to life this eerie whodunit, which played extensively on regional US television, breathtakingly restored in 4K from its 35mm original camera negative!
Special Features and Technical Specs:
NEW 4K RESTORATION OF THE FILM FROM THE ORIGINAL CAMERA NEGATIVE
Commentary track with film historians Jonathan Rigby and Kevin Lyons
Commentary track with Bill Bria and Ashley Coffin from 'Bill & Ashley's Terror Theater' podcast
"Preserving the Legacy of Francis D. Lyon" (10 min) - an interview with professor Paul V.M. Flesher at the American
It is the year 2036, and Earth is under harsh occupation by a reptilian alien race called the Teridaxx. Years before, all interplanetary warfare was reduced to a faceoff between two thirty-story-tall gladiator robots, each piloted by a single fighter. One of those fighters, a Robo Warrior from Earth, once upon a time, fought back against these invaders. But these are just dusty old stories, told by Charlie to his twelve-year-old grandson Zach, as the Teridaxx have eliminated all but one final Robo Warrior, Ray Gibson, who has been in hiding for years. Zach sets out on a perilous mission to find Gibson and the mythic Earth Bot, which is humankind's final chance to free itself from the cruel Teridaxx and once again control its own destiny.
Based on characters originally penned by the legendary Stuart Gordon (Re-Animator, From Beyond) a decade earlier, ROBO WARRIORS is a standout piece of futuristic sci-fi-adventure from the 90s era of direct-to-video weirdness, which takes full advantage of the excellent special effects by Stargate Films, as well as expertly choreographed martial-arts action scenes. Shot in the Philippines by prolific television director Ian Barry (The Chain Reaction), the film features James Remar (The Warriors, TV's Dexter), James Tolkan (Back to the Future, The Amityville Horror), and James Lew, a prolific actor and stuntman (Big Trouble in Little China, Timecop). Vinegar Syndrome Archive is excited to reboot this mechanized mission for you, newly restored in 2K from its 35mm interpositive and packed with fresh interviews with its key creators.
Special Features and Technical Specs:
NEW 2K RESTORATION OF THE FILM FROM AN INTERPOSITIVE
Commentary track with cinematographer John Stokes, moderated by film critic Walter Chaw
"The Footsteps of Giants" (42 min) - a brand new making-of documentary featuring interviews with director Ian Barry, producer Loucas George, visual effects supervisor Sam Nicholson, and cinematographer John Stokes
When rookie New York City policeman Harry Griswold ends up in the middle of a shootout while attending an evening of kabuki theater, his attempt to save the life of a critically injured performer yields unintended consequences. The dying man bestows his supernatural powers onto Harry, thus rendering him "The Chosen One." Suddenly finding himself sprouting paper umbrellas and covered in face paint, the formerly clumsy cop is transformed into a crime-fighting superstar, with the help and training of Lotus, daughter of the deceased actor. But Harry's new gifts also come with a fresh calling as he learns that he alone has the power to defeat the ancient "Evil One" and foil his diabolical plans for bloodthirsty world domination.
From Lloyd Kaufman & Michael Herz, creators of The Toxic Avenger, comes a different kind of superhero: SGT. KABUKIMAN N.Y.P.D! Mixing high-stakes action, spectacular car stunts, monstrous mutants, and Troma's signature style of madcap gore and hilarious hijinx, this outrageous late-night TV and video store classic features a who's who of cult stars, including Joe Fleishaker (Troma's War), Bill Weeden (Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger IV), and Rick Gianasi (Robot Holocaust) as Harry Griswold. Vinegar Syndrome is proud to present this colorful live-action comic book on 4K Blu-ray, newly restored from its 35mm camera negative and presented in its totally uncensored director's cut as well as its more commonly seen alternate PG-13 version, and featuring an abundance of both new and archival interviews and BTS material.
Special Features and Technical Specs:
THREE-DISC (4K BLU-RAY/TWO BLU-RAYS) COMBO PACK
NEW4K RESTORATION FROM THE ORIGINAL CAMERA NEGATIVE
DOLBY VISION/HDR PRESENTATION OF THE FILM
Presented in both its uncensored R-rated director's cut (4K Blu-ray and Blu-ray) and its PG-13 cut (Blu-ray only)
Archival commentary track with co-writer / co-director Lloyd Kaufman
Brand new commentary track with James Branscome and Nick Vance of the Cinematic Void Podcast
"A History Lesson on Kabukiman" (26 min) - a brand new featurette with Lloyd Kaufman and film programmer Jesse Berberich
"Troma Olivier" (18 min) - a brand new interview with actor Bill Weeden
"A Bond Girl, Troma Style" (17 min) - a brand new interview with actress Shaler McClure Wright
"From Redneck Zombies to Tromaville" (8 min) - a brand new interview with special effects coordinator Pericles Lewnes
Archival Troma disc introduction with Lloyd Kaufman (6 min)
Archival interview with lead actor Rick Gianasi (7 min)
Archival select scene commentary with lead actor Rick Gianasi (10 min)
Archival interview with Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz from The Dick Cavett Show in 1989 (24 min)
Archival in-production sales reel from 1989 (9 min)
Laserdisc intro (5 min)
Troma Team video intros (6 min)
VHS sales pitch promo (2 min)
Multiple original trailers (10 min)
40-page perfect-bound book featuring essays by Chris Shields, Austin Trunick, and Jesse Berberich
For forty years, Glass Eye Pix and its founder, Larry Fessenden, have been leaving their bloody mark on independent genre filmmaking in America. To celebrate the fortieth anniversary of Glass Eye Pix, Vinegar Syndrome is proud to present brand new 4K restorations of Larry Fessenden's shot-on-film features, starting at the beginning with NO TELLING (1991) and HABIT (1995).
NO TELLING
Lillian and Geoffrey (stage actors Miriam Healy-Louie and Stephen Ramsey) are a seemingly happy couple who relocate to the country so that Geoffrey can focus better on his work, which Lillian knows little about. As she begins to investigate what Geoffrey spends his days doing in their shed, she discovers a trail of medical experiments that she can't explain. Eventually, their relationship begins to unravel, with both parties consumed by madness.
Larry Fessenden's first feature-length film to be shot on film, NO TELLING, reimagines Mary Shelley's immortal Frankenstein tale as an upstate chamber drama that gives way to something much more sinister. A prescient parable about man's relationship with nature and the darkness inherent in us all, making it a potent precursor for the films that would follow in Fessenden's career. Shot on location in upstate New York, entirely on Super 16mm film, NO TELLING is an essential entry in the canon of American independent horror cinema of the 1990s, now lovingly restored in 4K by Vinegar Syndrome in a director-approved presentation from its uncut original film elements.
HABIT
Recently single New Yorker Sam (Larry Fessenden) is mourning the loss of his father and navigating a lack of ambition while drowning his sorrows in alcohol. At a Halloween party, he meets Anna (Meredith Snaider), a beautiful and mysterious woman who, it turns out, is also a vampire. The two embark on a sexually fueled relationship that constantly feels on the precipice of boiling over into violence.
Written, directed, edited, and sound edited by Fessenden, who also took on the leading role, HABIT is a singular character study set in New York City in the mid-90s. Trading in canonical vampire lore while imbuing it with something much more frenetic and indicative of the film scene of New York in the 80s and 90s, Fessenden's film is an exercise in style, shot entirely on 16mm by cinematographer Frankie DeMarco (Hedwig and the Angry Inch), who was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for his work on the film alongside Fessenden for Best Director. Vinegar Syndrome proudly presents Larry Fessenden's brooding tale of urban dread, newly scanned and restored 4K from its 16mm original negatives in a director-approved presentation.
Special Features and Technical Specs:
NO TELLING
NEW 4K RESTOREATION OF THE FILM
DOLBY VISION/HDR PRESENTATION OF THE FILM
Brand new commentary track with co-writer / director Larry Fessenden, moderated by Justin Laliberty
Brand new commentary track with film writer Scout Tafoya
Archival commentary track with co-writer / director Larry Fessenden
"The Making of No Telling" (24 min) - an archival making-of featurette
Behind-the-scenes footage with an introduction by Larry Fessenden (27 min)
"White Trash" (9 min) - a short film from 1979, directed by Larry Fessenden
"The Early Work of Glass Eye Pix" - a sizzle reel with an introduction by Larry Fessenden (8 min)
Reversible sleeve artwork
English SDH subtitles
HABIT
NEW 4K RESTOREATION OF THE FILM
DOLBY VISION/HDR PRESENTATION OF THE FILM
Brand new commentary track with writer / director Larry Fessenden, moderated by Justin Laliberty
Brand new group commentary track with writer / director Larry Fessenden, cinematographer Frank G. DeMarco, and producer / assistant director / sound recordist Dayton Taylor
Brand new commentary track with film historian Shelagh Rowan-Legg and culture writer Leila Taylor
Archival commentary track with writer / director Larry Fessenden
"Looking Back on Habit" (15 min) - an archival featurette from 2016
"Gothic Corners: Habit's New York City" (4 min) - an archival featurette from 2015
"The Making of Habit" (24 min) - an archival making-of featurette
Brand new audio interview with lead actress Meredith Snaider (54 min)
Brand new audio interview with actress Heather Woodbury (25 min)
"Habit" (18 min) - a short film from 1982, directed by Larry Fessenden
Richard Hudson (Patrick Warburton, Seinfeld), a shady used car salesman and aspiring filmmaker living in 1950s Los Angeles, writes the script for his first film: a tawdry drama about a truck driver who kills a young girl, titled The Man Who Got Away. Hudson's path to becoming Tinseltown's newest auteur is fraught with challenges; his film is deemed uncommercial, his sexual trysts keep piling up and his relationships with various family members manage to get worse by the day. Hudson will stop at nothing to see his vision through, even if it means destroying everything and everyone in his path, including Hollywood itself.
The feature directing debut of Robinson Devor (Zoo) and based on noted crime novelist Charles Willeford's (Cockfighter) novel of the same name, THE WOMAN CHASER is a dark show business comedy in the vein of Robert Altman's The Player and The Coen Brothers' Barton Fink that isn't afraid to showcase the more insidious aspects of the industry. Anchored by a wry, very funny, lead performance from stand-up comic and TV star Patrick Warburton along with striking 35mm photography (shot in color, but lit and graded for black and white) by six time Emmy nominee Kramer Morgenthau (Game of Thrones, Creed II & III), THE WOMAN CHASER is an often overlooked entry in the tail end of the American indie boom. Never before released on disc, and not seen uncut since its New York Film Festival premiere in 1999, Cinématographe is proud to present the world blu-ray debut of Robinson Devor's uncompromising, hilarious, ode to 50s film noir completely uncensored, restored in 2K, and accompanied with hours of extras including the rarely seen color version of the film, The Art of Insanity.
Special Features and Technical Specs:
NEW 2K RESTORATION OF THE FILM
The Art of Insanity - a full length alternate version of the film, presented in color
New audio commentary with writer/director Robinson Devor, moderated by Cinématographe's Justin LaLiberty
New audio commentary with film noir historians Alain Silver and Christopher Coppola
Deadly Serious - a new video interview with actor Patrick Warburton
Biggest Little Movie - a new video interview with producer Joe McSpadden
Theatrical trailer
New text essays by film critic Glenn Kenny, writer and podcaster Chris Cabin and crime author Jesse Sublett
Rita la Punta (Marília Pêra, Central Station), a Brazilian single mother living in New York's Alphabet City, resides with her drug-dealing son Thiago (Richard Ulacia) and his gang of teenage delinquents. In an attempt to control the drug trade below 14th Street, Rita goes against the leader of a rival neighborhood gang, Juan the Bullet (Angel David, The Crow), spurring a turf war. When Carol (Linda Kerridge, Fade to Black), a friend of a drug lord known as The German (Ulrich Berr, Beethoven's Nephew), expresses an interest in Thiago, things become even more complicated.
Written and directed by NYC art scene, and exploitation cinema luminary Paul Morrissey, MIXED BLOOD is a characteristically grimy descent into urban malaise that is often punctuated by moments of gallows humor. Featuring an eclectic ensemble cast that includes the screen debut of John Leguizamo (Summer of Sam) and Warhol superstar Geraldine Smith (Flesh, Bad), MIXED BLOOD is an essential, but often overlooked, entry into the canon of independent films made on the streets of New York in the 1980s. Cinématographe is proud to present the world Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray debut of Paul Morrissey's renegade crime comedy from a new 4K restoration of its original camera negative.
Special Features and Technical Specs:
NEW 4K RESTORATION OF THE FILM FROM THE ORIGINAL CAMERA NEGATIVE
New audio commentary with film historians Howard S. Berger and Steve Mitchell
Tremendous Drama - a new video interview with casting director Leonard Finger
Nothing As Wild - a new video interview with editor Scott Vickrey
The Real Places - a new video interview with producer Steven Fierberg
The Brazilian on Avenue B - a new video essay by film historian Chris O'Neill
Archival video interview with director Paul Morrissey from The Joan Quinn Profiles, recorded in 1994
Stills gallery of archival materials from The Paul Morrissey Film Trust
New text essays by culture writer Madelyn Sutton, film historian Erica Schultz and American experimental film expert Paul Attard alongside archival images from the Paul Morrissey Film Trust
A mysterious woman gathers a trio of misfits and offers them the chance to compete in a strange survival competition for a prize of $100,000. But there's a deadly catch as she's set up a series of fatal traps, each reflecting the vices of her participants. Will anyone survive the fiendish clutches of this psycho cat? A gritty, NYC-set adaptation of "The Most Dangerous Game," CONFESSIONS OF A PSYCHO CAT began life as a straight murder thriller before being transformed into a terrific sleazy mix of bloody killings and drug-fueled sex, even featuring legendary boxer Jake LaMotta (Raging Bull) in one of his few acting appearances. A black-gloved killer is on the loose, stalking and slashing young hepcat couples in NYC's Greenwich Village. With a black cat strangely found prowling near each of the corpses, a detective goes undercover in the youth scene to try and sniff out this fiendish assailant, while romancing a college professor whose own strange interests have placed her too in the killer's sights.
Originally a more traditional whodunit set in the then-trendsetting early 60s Village beat scene, THE FAT BLACK PUSSYCAT proved a box office flop and was re-tooled into a delectably crass proto-slasher/giallo, complete with nudity and several splashy new slice-n-dice killings! At long last you can now finally enjoy both versions in stunning new restorations.
Special Features and Technical Specs:
NEW 4K RESTORATIONS OF BOTH FILMS
Brand new feature length audio commentary for Confessions Of A Psycho Cat with actress Arleen Lorrance moderated by film historian Bruce Holecheck
"Bronx Bulls and Psycho Cats": an interview with William Lustig
Never before seen Confessions Of A Psycho Cat dailies & outtakes
Original theatrical trailers for Confessions Of A Psycho Cat
The Fat Black Pussycat - original version (82 min)
Original theatrical trailer for The Fat Black Pussycat